At approximately 8:30 p.m. on January 8, Yoshi Higa is alleged to have fatally stabbed Federico Masco, 45, in the chest at the suspect’s apartment in the Higashihonmachi area.

Masco was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The results of a DNA analysis of blood found at the suspect’s residence and a nearby parking lot matched that of Masco. A knife was also found in a gutter.

After the incident, the whereabouts of Higa remained unknown. Police subsequently placed him on a nationwide wanted list for allegedly overstaying his visa by six years and four months.

On January 14, an acquaintance of Higa brought him to a police station. He was then arrested for violating immigration control laws.

Regarding the fresh charges of murder, Higa has declined to offer comment.

According to TV Asahi (Jan. 26), the suspect and victim are former colleagues. Police are now attempting to learn the motive for the crime.